Justices of the Peace

Duties and Responsibilities

A justice of the peace has the authority to:
  • Administer oaths 
  • Conduct preliminary hearings
  • Issue warrants for search and arrest 
  • Serve as a coroner in counties where there is no provision for a medical examiner 
  • Serve as an administrative court judge for a variety of miscellaneous court procedures
  • Serve as a trial court judge for Class C misdemeanors

Civil Suits

The Justice Court also functions as a small claims court in civil matters in which exclusive jurisdiction is not in district or county court and the amount in controversy does not exceed $10,000. This also includes eviction suits.

Online Help


Texas Court Help at TexasCourtHelp.gov
Texas State Law Library at www.sll.texas.gov

Precincts


There are four justice of the peace precincts:
 map